England are second favourites to lift the 2006 World Cup after another late winner

Having beaten Argentina (who are 8.50(15/2) with Victor Chandler) by a late winner in their previous friendly, few would have anticipated a repeat of such drama. However, England waited until the 92nd minute to claim the win by beating Uruguay 2-1.

Uruguay took the lead in the first half with a magnificent strike but Peter Crouch pulled England level in the second half. It was then left to Joe Cole to compete the denouement.

At times England looked unconvincing; however, the result is another positive addition to the formbook, which is making good reading at the moment. SkyBet now have England at 7.50 (13/2) favourites only behind holders Brazil, who beat Russia 1-0 on Wednesday (01/03/06).

Brazil are now 3.75 (11/4) with SkyBet to repeat their 2002 performance. Many though will feel that this is England’s year and the writer shares this opinion: it has been a long time since England had such an array of talent at their disposal.

All World Cup betting (after the games of (01/03/06))

This writer recommends visiting bookies.com regularly in the run up to the World Cup (less than 100 days before it begins) to ensure that you bet at the right time, especially where England are concerned.